Review: Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Bourbon

Woodford Reserve is a near-ubiquitous brand on the back bar of virtually any drinking establishment, and if you’re in a bind it’s a solid go-to bourbon when you’re unsure about the rest of the booze on offer. This Kentucky Bourbon is a hot 90.4 proof and benefits greatly from a healthy splash of water, which helps to coax out some sweetness from an otherwise racy, spicy, and oak-heavy whiskey. Vanilla comes along in the finish: Straightforward, solid, and decidedly non-shocking.